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On the cover... 2019 New England PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Public) Jesse Schechtman, PGA, is doing big things at his “little muni.” P20
OFFICERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4.......... President’s Message 6... Executive Director’s Message 8.......... NEPGA Hall of Fame 13..... Section Championship 14.......... New England Open 16............... Section Update 20...........Jesse Schechtman .....Merchandiser of the Year 22................. Justin Lawson . Horon Smith Award Winner
Ron Bibeau, PGA President rbibeau@coegolfcars.com
Allan Belden, PGA Mike Bradshaw, PGA Vice President Secretary allanbelden@gmail.com pgapro@kirkbrae.com
NEPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rob Jarvis, PGA Honorary President robjarvis@pga.com
Mark Aldrich, PGA District Director MA Central (508) 853-5087 markaldrichpga@gmail.com
24............. Rules to the Max 26..........Junior Tour Update 27...........Point Race Update 28..... View from the Fairway 30 ........... Chapter Roundup 35....... Update from PGA HQ
Dave Donnellan, PGA
John Fields, PGA
District Director Cape Cod (508) 362-2606 daviddonnellan@pga.com
District Director MA Eastern (617) 484-5360 jfields@belmontcc.org
36....... Membership Updates Joanne Flynn, PGA
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Dan Gillis, PGA
District Director New Hampshire (603) 434-2093 joanne@windhamcc.com
Senior Director (978) 692-4606 dangillis.nlcc@gmail.com
Lou Rivers, PGA
David Soucy, PGA
District Director MA Southern (508) 543-4661 lourivers@pga.com
District Director Vermont (802) 422-4633 vtgolfpro@yahoo.com
Dave Tiedemann, PGA
Doug VanWickler, PGA
District Director Rhode Island (401) 322-2107 dtiedemann@shgcri.com
District Director Maine (207) 787-2890 dvanwickler@thewoodlands.com
Email Ryan Mahoney at ryan@rangerready.com or call 203.400.8569
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Manchester Country Club, Site of the 2019 NEPGA Championship
Dear NEPGA Professionals and Associates,
Ron Bibeau, PGA President New England PGA
“Competing in our Section Championships is a great way to build or expand your professional network, satisfy your competitive instincts, and perhaps advance to a national championship to represent the New England Section on the national stage.”
The calendar has turned to July and whether we like it or not, we’re heading into the second half of our golf season here in New England. As the season races on, we are approaching our three New England PGA major championships. I am looking forward to heading to two tremendous New Hampshire golf courses for the upcoming NEPGA Section Championship, which kicks off our major championship season this year August 5-7 at Manchester Country Club and Concord Country Club. Once again, the New England PGA has 12 PGA Professional Championship spots and five alternate spots for the on the line. I’m also proud to say that our Section Championship offers the largest professional purse in New England outside of the PGA TOUR, which is estimated to be $90,000 next month. The Senior Championship returns to Vermont in 2019, this year being contested at Woodstock Country Club, Aug. 20-21, and our championship season wraps up with the National Car Rental Assistants Championship at Pocasset GC (Pocasset, Mass.) Sept. 16-17. I strongly encourage you to participate in each of the championships you are eligible for. Competing in our Section Championships is a great way to build or expand your professional network, satisfy your competitive instincts, and perhaps advance to a national championship to represent the New England Section on the national stage. Not long after our Section Championships come to an end, we will be honoring more than a dozen individuals at the New England PGA Awards Banquet, Nov. 2 at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston, Mass. Among those honorees will be our New England PGA Hall of Fame Class of 2019, represented by Bob Lendzion and Bruce Dobie. You can read more about Bob and Bruce in this magazine, but both are very deserving of their Hall of Fame recognition, not just for their accomplishments on the course, but for what they have done for the game of golf in New England. I hope that Bob and Bruce can inspire you, the next generation of NEPGA Professionals, to be the best PGA Professional that you can be. In the blink of an eye we went from a slow and soggy start to our season to the very hectic month of July. The second half of our season is sure to go by just as fast! If there is ever anything I can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to call me. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your president. Respectfully Submitted, Ron Bibeau, PGA President of the New England Section
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Michael Higgins Executive Director New England PGA
THE LONG GAME
It is hard to believe that half of 2019 is already behind us, but positively speaking more than half of the New England golf season is still ahead of us! In a recent golf article I read, the author mention that “The game is so much fun and such a getaway from everyday life that most folks who play it needn’t worry about it as an industry.” To most golf is only a game, or a recreational activity done outside with others, but to PGA Professionals golf is a business. It’s our business….it’s our livelihood. I was very excited to read some of the news regarding golf growth because when the NEPGA committed our local efforts to growing of the game in New England, we knew that we were playing the long ball game and that our efforts might not show measurable results for many years in the future. The NGF released some statistics that the number of people ages 6-and-up who played at least one round of golf last year increased from 23.8 million in 2017 to 24.2 million. At first glance those 400,000 golfers out of over 24 million may seem insignificant, but what if I told you this is the first time we have seen a measured increase in this category in 14 years?
Are you doing anything creative at your driving range? Has your facility invested in a simulator?
One of the contributors in the statistical growth is that the NGF includes the participation at “off-course” venues (Driving ranges, simulators, Topgolf, etc.) in their survey, and that demographic experienced an increase by 10 percent from the previous year. Are you doing anything creative at your driving range? Has your facility invested in a simulator?
certainly are not Boston prices, right? Well George Wright GC and Ponkapoag GC for example, which both fall in that “near Rt. 128” category, have $41 and $27 weekday 18 hole rates!
We all know that high-end / high priced private facilities receive a lot of the attention in the news, but approximately 75 percent of all the golf courses in the United States are open to the public. I often hear that golf is too expensive and unaffordable to play consistently. Well I was pleased to learn that overall; the game of golf is actually quite affordable. The average price for an 18-hole public round of golf, that is played in peak season, is a weekend greens fee including cart in the United States is $35. If you adjust those statistics to account for discounts such as weekday rates, junior/senior discounts, walking, and time of day, the average greens fee drops to $31. I know some of you are saying that those are not New England prices, and they
NGF describes the “average golfer” as a 46-year-old male who plays 18 rounds per year and has a household income of more than 100,000. This may be how many others view the “average golfer” as well, but I was thrilled to see the demographics experiencing growth. Female participation continued to see an increase, as
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women account for 36 percent of junior golfers, which was a mere 14 percent only 20 years ago. Locally we are experiencing similar growth with the number of girls playing our Junior Tour events, playing on Junior League Teams, and participating in Drive, Chip & Putt. The study also mentioned that those golfers who are non-Caucasian comprise almost 25 percent of juniors. This is up from 6 percent only 20 years ago. I think increasing the “off-course” interest, which happens to be where 44 percent of participants coming from the 18-34 age group, certainly could offer a light at the end of the tunnel. Our next step is making sure those that are introduced to golf in this fashion, eventually make their way on to the golf course. Personally, I know that numbers are just numbers, and if you are not experiencing these growths and trends at your facility you may not be the first one to jump on the golf is growing bandwagon. I just hope they make you look internally and see if it might be time to invest in the “long ball game” approach at your facility. The Section Leadership and Staff knows that even within our own Section and within our own PGA Professionals we will be seeing a significant change over the next five years. Hopefully you have already noticed some of our subtle changes in focus and programing, while never losing our sight on what the New England Section is all about. If you read our newsletter I want to hear about it. If you have an area of concern or an area that has been a home run, I want to hear about it. If there is something you feel we should write about or highlight, please let me know. Have a great summer! Don’t forget to register for one of our Sections Major Championships right around the corner, and as always, please reach out to me or any of your talented Section Staff if we can ever be of service to you or your facility. Respectfully, Michael J. Higgins Executive Director
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SOLIDIFYING LEGENDS 8 | MAY, 2019 | nepga.com
Dobie, Lendzion represent New England PGA Hall of Fame Class of 2019
“
The NEPGA Hall of Fame was established in 1996 to pay tribute to those people whose lifetime achievements and contributions to golf are such that they merit the highest possible recognition and honor from their peers and future generations of golfers. Bruce Dobie became just the second Head Golf Professional at Green Hill Golf Course in Worcester, Mass., In 1965, taking over for his teacher
to me, at my age, to be recognized amongst all my friends. It’s a very nice honor that I should
“
The New England PGA is proud to welcome two outstanding and deserving additions to the NEPGA Hall of Fame, as Bruce Dobie and Bob Lendzion will represent the Class of 2019.
It certainly means a lot
share with everybody that I worked with at Green Hill.
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Walter Cosgrove. Dobie worked at Green Hill for more than 30 years, through 1996. A top-notch player himself, Bruce won the 1963 Massachusetts Amateur, 1967 New Hampshire Open, 1983 New England PGA Section Championship, and qualified for two US Opens. Dobie was ahead of his time when it came to bringing golf to local juniors in the Worcester area, allowing hundreds of area kids the opportunity to learn and play the game at Green Hill. In 1991, Bruce was recognized for his efforts with the NEPGA Youth Player Development Award. “It certainly means a lot to me, at my age, to be recognized amongst all my friends,” Dobie said of the honor. “I miss all the guys that I used to play with and see. It’s a very nice honor that I should share with everybody that I worked with at Green Hill, all my assistants. I’m very proud of the fact that I had a lot of golf pros come out of my junior golf.” Bob Lendzion played golf collegiately at San Fernando Valley State (now Cal State Northridge) and helped his team win the 1969 NCAA Division II National Championship. After graduation, he headed to Vermont to work at the Palmer Academy at Stratton Mountain in 1972. He spent 12 years at the Academy, eventually working his way into the role of Director of Golf. In 1983, Lendzion became the Head Professional at Quechee Club, where he worked for another 12 years. During his
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time at the Quechee Club, Lendzion built the New England Open into a major championship within the New England PGA, as the championship was contested at Quechee every year from 1980 through 1998. Lendzion continued his competitive career, winning the 1986 Club Pro Championship and the 1993 Chile Open, as he competed in South Africa, Jamaica and South America during the off-season. In 1992, Lendzion was recognized as the New England PGA Skip Wogan Player of the Year. In 1997, Lendzion took his talents to the European Senior Tour, where he picked up a qualifying spot thanks largely to an eagle on the final hole of the qualifying tournament, and he won the 1998 Senior Turkish Open and 2005 Egyptian Senior Open. Lendzion, who currently resides in Las Vegas, competed in 30 Champions Tour events in 2000 and recorded four Top-25 finishes. “It’s a real honor to be considered for something like this,” Lendzion said. “Somebody recognized something I did, that’s fantastic. I did all of my working life in New England. As far as a PGA pro, I feel like half New Englander. What can you say? I just feel like New England is a big part of me.” The NEPGA Hall of Fame class of 2019 will be inducted during the annual NEPGA Award Dinner on Nov. 2 at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston, Mass.
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2019 New England PGA Championship August 5-7 Manchester CC (Bedford, N.H.) Concord CC ( Concord N.H.)
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JASON THRESHER RIDES HOT PUTTER TO NEW ENGLAND OPEN TITLE AT QUECHEE Jason Thresher poured in five back-nine birdies to shoot 7-under 65 in the final round of the 2019 New England Open at the Quechee Club and claim a two-stroke victory with a 36-hole total of 10-under (133).
“The putter really caught fire on the back nine.”
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The win adds to a growing list of regional championships for Thresher, who will look for his fourth consecutive Massachusetts Open title next week in addition to New Hampshire and Bangor Open championships. “The putter really caught fire on the back nine,” Thresher said after his round, which ended in style with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes. “After I birdied 14, that put me at 8-under, my goal for the rest of the round was to really try to get to 10. I figured that would have a really good chance of winning.”
Thresher rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt on the par-3 opening hole, but gave it right back with a bogey on the par-5 second. That proved to be his only bogey of the day as he made eight birdies on Wednesday, including six in his final 10 holes, to shoot the low round of the tournament. Thresher held off Nicholas Pandelena, who was in the final group after shooting 67 on Tuesday. Pandelena followed that up with a 68 on Wednesday to finish solo second at -8. 2016 New England Open Champion Jeff Curl finished tied for third at -6 along with Ryan McCormick. Maxwell Ferrari and Pat Pelletier tied for low amateur at -3 overall. Both players shot 70 in each round.
Mark Purrington (left), Jack Lang (middle) and Nicholas Pandelena (right) played in the final group in the second round.
First-round co-leaders Jack Lang and Mark Purrington finished T5 and T7, respectively after shooting 5-under 66 on Tuesday. Lang shot even-par 72 on Wednesday while Purrington was 1-over. The 36-hole tournament played to a par of 143 after playing as a Par-71 in Round 1 and Par-72 in Round 2. The New England Open wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Quechee Club and host PGA Professional T.J. Anthoine, as well as partners Mohegan Sun, Turkish Airlines, Lincoln Motor Company and the PGA TOUR.
Maxwell Ferrari and Pat Pelletier tied for low amateur at -3 overall. WATCH the winning putt and post-round interview with 2019 New England Open Champion Jason Thresher!
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SECTION UPDATE
Berberian, Jr. Wins Stroke Play #2 ANDOVER, Mass. — The second leg of the 2019 New England PGA Stroke Play Series capped off this afternoon at Indian Ridge in Andover, MA with 73 NEPGA Professionals taking part in the one-day shootout to continue jockeying for position and qualify for the season-ending Avidia Cup Finals to be held at Nashawtuc Country Club in Concord, MA.
Nonesuch Rivear, Rochester CC Share NEPGA Pro-Senior Invitational Title WALPOLE, Mass. – Two foursomes – Rochester CC and Nonesuch River – shot five-under 66 at Walpole Country Club on June 24 to tie for the New England PGA Pro-Senior Invitational title. A pair of twos helped the Rochester CC foursome, led by Brett Smestad, PGA, shoot 66. The group birdied two of the four par-3s, with deuces on the third and 17th holes. The birdie on the 17th capped a run of three birdies in a four-hole stretch to give the foursome six birdies for the day, offset by just one hiccup. The Nonesuch River team turned in a similar scorecard to match Rochester CC’s 66. The foursome birdied the same par-3s and carded six birdies with just one bogey. Four teams shot 3-under 68 in the gross competition on Monday to tie for third, including the foursome from host Walpole CC led by Tom Giffin, PGA. Belmont CC, led by John Fields, PGA, Bass Rocks GC (Todd Scarafoni, PGA) and Nabnasset Lake CC (Dan Gillis, PGA) also shot 68. Nonesuch River claimed the net competition with a net 14-under 57. A net eagle on the opening hole sparked a blazing start, as the foursome was 8-under through eight holes, before cooling off, relatively, by playing the final 10 holes 6-under. Cyprian Keyes, led by Rick Durocher, followed a net-30 on the front with a net-29 on the back to post 12-under 59 to finish second. The group had an eagle on each side, including one on the par-5 12th that was surrounded by three birdies in each direction for an 8-under par seven-hole stretch. Scarafoni and Gillis each shot 2-over 73 to tie atop the individual pro leaderboard. Scarafoni made 14 pars and added a birdie on the par-5 15th, and was one-over on each side. Gillis, meanwhile, birdied the first and fifth holes to get to 2-under, and scattered four bogeys over his final 13 holes to shoot 73. Walpole CC was a fantastic host of one of the year’s most popular tournaments, thanks to the work of host PGA Professional Tom Giffin and the entire Walpole CC staff. The NEPGA would also like to thank partners Mohegan Sun and Lincoln. The Lincoln Motor Co. raffled off a $500 pro shop gift card to one lucky winner, and decorated the first tee with two 2019 Lincoln Nautilus’.
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Leading the way on the course was Rich Berberian, Jr. (Vesper CC), coming off a recent made cut at his home course in the Massachusetts Open. Berberian use five birdies to his advantage, offsetting a lone bogey to card a 4-under par total of 68, good for a one stroke victory over Triggs Memorial’s Bob Tramonti who also recorded five birdies but suffered one more blemish than Berberian. Liam Freidman of Nashawtuc CC led a five-player contingent at 2-under par 70, highlighted by an eagle on the par 5 fourth hole. Eric Barlow of Winchester CC, Jeff Seavey of Samoset Resort, Kirk Hanefeld of Salem CC and Brett Smestad of Rochester CC rounded out the players who finished under par. In the Senior Division, Tramonti was victorious over Hanefeld and Seavey, with five other players tying for fourth. In the Blind Draw Pro-Pro contest, Greg Farland and Rob Bradley used their combined best-ball scores to fire a 7-under 65 for the top spot over a six-team logjam for second at 6-under par. The New England Section was thrilled to return to Indian Ridge, and PGA Professionals Mike Miller and Scott Gainey rolled out the red carpet for all the Professionals. Special thanks to our partners from Avidia Bank, Cutter & Buck and Ahead for being on-site to support our PGA Professionals, as well as Bushnell, SCNS Sports Foods & PGA TOUR.
SECTION UPDATE
NEPGA ADDS AVIDIA BANK FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP BOYLSTON, Mass. – The New England PGA Foundation is proud to partner with Avidia Bank to announce the founding of the Avidia Bank Foundation Scholarship. Beginning in the fall of 2019, the scholarship will be awarded annually to deserving students who are actively engaged in the game of golf. Five (5) scholarships worth $1,000 each will be awarded and distributed in the winner’s name to their college or university. Students who meet the following criteria are invited to apply. To be eligible, students must: • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (unweighted GPA based on a 4.0 scale) in either high school or college; • Show proof of engagement in golf (prior Junior Tour membership, letter from PGA Professional or high school coach, etc.); • Be accepted or enrolled in a four-year college or university; • Be a primary resident within the New England PGA boundaries (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Eastern Massachusetts); The Avidia Bank Foundation Scholarship is the ninth scholarship opportunity offered by the New England PGA Foundation, backing up its mission to improve the lives through the game of golf. Since its inception, the NEPGA Foundation (formerly the NEPGA Scholarship Fund) has awarded more than a half-million dollars in college scholarships. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL NEPGPA FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
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LOOK AT WHAT JESSE SCHECHTMAN IS DOING WITH HIS LITTLE MUNI “I’m not going to claim to be some master merchandiser,” said 2019 New England PGA Merchandiser of the Year (Public) Jesse Schechtman. That’s not a knock on the rest of the New England PGA Professionals who spend countless hours fine-tuning their pro shops. Jesse certainly is a master, and his shop sales at Hyannis Golf Course suggest – prove rather – that he moves merch. He just doesn’t rely on traditional methods to boost sales. “One hundred percent, my bread and butter, what I really love doing is event ops,” he said. “I’m constantly coming up with new and different events that keep the credit books full. At the end of the year everybody has a few hundred in credit and the next thing you know shop sales are through the roof.” Before he began working at Hyannis in 2015, shop sales were $77,000 in 2014 and the tee sheet didn’t compare to that of nearby Olde Barnstable Fairgrounds, one of the top public courses in New England and, like Hyannis, owned by the town of Barnstable. “When I interviewed for this job I was told ‘We have a lot of members and (Olde Barnstable) Fairgrounds is busy all the time but we need to fill Hyannis up.’ My answer to that was ‘Let’s give them a reason to come to the golf course,’” Jesse recalled. “That’s really why I started creating all 20 | MAY, 2019 | nepga.com
“I can’t wait to throw that plaque up on the wall and say ‘look at what we did with our little muni.’”
these things, the if-you-build-it-they-will-come attitude.” success he has built while keeping 1,300 members happy. He estimates that at least half of the memWhat Jesse created was a menu of events that attract- bership participates in events at least a couple times ed golfers to the course, headlined by a Monday quota per year – but sometimes that leaves the other half league that has given a half-dozen players birdie stofighting for tee times. He’s also running out of daylight ries they’ll be telling on repeat for years. As word has to add competitive opportunities. spread, so has participation. “It’s gone from fun, to still fun, but scary,” he said. “It’s “They know that in the Monday quota league, for their very fun to build something. Now we’re at the point $5 entry, they could win hundreds on a weekly basis. where I’m trying to sustain it, and that can be anxi$750 is the maximum allowed by the USGA for amaety-inducing. At a certain point, when you’re doing teurs. We’ve had six or seven $750 skins in that quota 130 rounds on a Monday for a quota league, you’re league. For a $5 entry fee people are walking away with capped. You’re maxed out. You can’t put more players $750 in shop credit for making a birdie. Trumpeting that on the golf course seeing as how 80 percent of the is how I’ve tried to get more people to this golf course. players are in the afternoon.” I’m not some master merchandiser, I’m not a master marketer, but I’m really good at coming up with events Jesse will receive the award for NEPGA Merchandiser that people really seem to like.” of the Year (Public) during the NEPGA Awards Banquet on Nov. 2 at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in BoylBy 2018, Jesse had grown shop sales to $180,000, and ston, Mass. projects $210,000 this year. That success, of course, has spilled into other areas of the golf operation. “It’s very cool, especially being at a municipal facility because sometimes we feel like we’re just the little “I can’t quantify it because it’s not like we have a sep- guys at the bottom end of the totem pole. I’ve looked arate cart fee for leagues and tournaments,” he said. at the past few winners and I see Pinehills and Gran“But cart fees, greens fees with people bringing friends ite Links, and that’s the coolest thing to have Hyannis to play in the quota league, restaurant sales - Mondays Golf Course mentioned alongside facilities like that. have become one of the busiest days up in the lounge That makes me and my whole staff very proud. I can’t when it used to be pretty quiet.” wait to throw that plaque up on the wall and say ‘look at what we did with our little muni.’” The challenge for Jesse now becomes sustaining the Don’t miss the latest news, notes and announcements from the New England PGA. Follows us on Social Media!
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JUSTIN LAWSON’S FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON EDUCATION IS AWARD-WINNING
Justin Lawson, PGA, is the 2019 New England PGA Horton Smith Award winner for his continuing contributions in developing and improving education opportunities for NEPGA Professionals.
G
rowing up, Justin Lawson, PGA (Nashua CC), used to cut lawns to earn money to pay for golf lessons. He may not have known it at the time, but he was gaining an entirely different set of lessons that have helped shape his career in golf. The work-ethic and perspective Justin learned from a young age have inspired him to always push himself to improve as a golf professional. “I just think, overall, everybody needs to have the understanding that you can never stop learning,” he said. “I never was a great student in school, but we can all learn something each and every day. That desire is what really leads to success.” That desire has led to success for Justin, who will take home the New England PGA’s Horton Smith Award this fall. The Horton Smith Award, named after the inaugural Masters champion, recognizes an individual golf professional for their outstanding and continuing contributions in developing and improving education opportunities for NEPGA professionals. Justin’s contributions to NEPGA education programs has always been targeted towards improving the golf professional and their operations. Better golf professionals lead to improved golf facilities, which benefits everybody in the New England section. He has been involved in several 22 | MAY, 2019 | nepga.com
education programs, including a financial planning seminar, new head professional summit, golf operations summit and employment summit. “One of my favorite summits was our operations summit,” he recalled. “I learned so much from that seminar, just listening to our peers and different concepts and how they address those same issues. We all face the same issues at every single club whether we like it or not. It’s the same issues everywhere and we all can help each other.” Justin, who is an NEPGA Award Winner for the second time after earning recognition as the 2011 NEPGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year, is part of the NEPGA Education Committee where he continues to strive to bolster the education opportunities for all NEPGA Professionals.
“I just think, overall, everybody needs to have the understanding that you can never stop learning. I never was a great student in school, but we can all learn something each and every day. That desire is what really leads to success.”
“Employment, to me, is one of the biggest ones right now. Whether you’re trying to get a job or trying to attract employees, those are some of the most hot-topic conversations that professionals are having with other professionals. If we can provide a platform where we can bring people into a room who are successful with respect to both areas, and share some concepts and philosophies that they’re following, it helps outs everybody else in our section.” Justin’s drive to volunteer dates back to his high school days, and as a golf professional, he has always been involved. In his previous role as the President of the NEPGA Assistants’ Association, he created the first online community of section assistants. “We really had no place to share ideas other than after a tournament or something like that,” he said. “One of my goals was to provide a platform for our assistants to go and drop a quick question that would be exposed to all the folks who were in the association. Just to create a platform for what was back in the day sort of an early social media web site to share ideas and connect. People needed housing in Florida for winter employment or tournament ideas. Or just a directory of other assistants so they could call and make connections.” Justin, and all the 2019 NEPGA Special Award Winners, will receive their awards at the NEPGA Awards Banquet, Nov. 2 at Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston, Mass. “Honestly it’s probably the most humbling thing in my life,” Justin said. “It was a pretty cool moment to be recognized for all that hard work. A lot of times we don’t get recognized, and it’s not the reason why we do things. We do things because we genuinely care about others. To be recognized by your peers is pretty humbling.” nepga.com | MAY, 2019 | 23
PARTNER PRIVELIGES
#RulesToTheMax
NOTICE REGARDING PRACTICE AT THE SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS Max Doctoroff, PGA
mdoctoroff@pgahq.com
Tournament Director New England PGA
Please remember in four ball, each score on the scorecard must be identified as the score of the individual partner who made it...the penalty for attributing a score to the wrong player is disqualification.
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Before we know it, the Section Championship, Senior Championship, and Assistants Championship will be upon us. With these being multiday tournaments, I’d like to refer you to a very important item on the NEPGA Hard Card, which will affect any tournament played over more than one round. While the new Rules of Golf allow players to practice on the competition course between rounds, as long as they have completed play for that day, the NEPGA Hard Card utilizes the Local Rule that prohibits players from doing so. Therefore, a player MUST NOT practice on the course before or between rounds, even if they have completed their final round of that day. Remember that for the purpose of this Rule, practicing on the course means playing a ball, or testing the surface of the putting green of any hole by rolling a ball or rubbing the surface. This restriction during our Championships is crucially important, because the penalty for the first breach is two strokes, and the player is disqualified for the second breach.
THE RULES OF FOUR BALL STROKE PLAY With the annual Pro-Pro Stroke Play Championship right around the corner on July 22nd, now is as good a time as any to brush up on the Rules of Four Ball Stroke Play. While many of the Rules in this format are the same as general stroke play, playing with a partner introduces a few advantages, as well as a few complications. The most common problem we see in our four ball competitions time and time again is incorrectly filled out scorecards. Please remember in four ball, each score on the scorecard must be identified as the score of the individual partner who made it. A single score on the team score line is not good enough, we need to know which player made that birdie! It would serve all players to be very careful with this, because the penalty for attributing a score to the wrong player is disqualification.
The advantage to four ball play is that the partners have the opportunity to work together in many respects, and act on each other’s behalf. For instance, partners may exchange advice throughout the course of the round, either with each other or either of their caddies. Partners may also act on each other’s behalf in many ways. For instance, your partner may mark the spot of your ball and lift, replace, drop and place your ball. Fair warning though, if your partner makes a procedural mistake while doing any of these things, the penalty will be on you!
“A player MUST NOT practice on the course before or between rounds, even if they have completed their final round of that day.”
One issue that’s been in the news this spring is backstopping. The backstopping Rule applies among partners as well - what this means is that your and your partner must not make an agreement to leave a ball in place on the putting green to help either of you, or any other player (i.e. use the ball as a backstop). So while you and your partner are allowed to play in the order that you choose, and may use many strategies to help each other out, be very careful that you don’t agree to leave a ball on the putting green in place to help each other out, or you will each get a two stroke penalty. I hope to see many of you at the Pro-Pro Stroke Play Championship, and I hope this helps you stay on the right side of the Rules in that format. For more information about the intricacies of Four Ball, you can refer to Rule 23 in the Rules of Golf. As always, feel free to reach out to me for clarification on this topic, the Rules in general, and the NEPGA Tournament Program. I’m always here to help.
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BROOKS WINS THE 2019 NEW ENGLAND BOYS JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, SHIEH TAKES GIRLS TITLE Shieh cruises after 5-under 67 first-round; Brooks overcomes first-round deficit, both players qualify for PGA Junior Championship in July. Jacy Settles
New England PGA jsettles@pgahq.com 508-869-0000 ext. 204 HARVARD, MA (June 26, 2019) – Daniel Brooks of Dudley, MA won the 2019 New England Boys Junior PGA Championship on Wednesday, June 26th at Shaker Hills Country Club in Harvard, MA. Brooks will have the opportunity to join 144 of the nation’s top male junior golfers in the PGA of America’s premium junior event, the 44th Boys Junior PGA Championship, hosted at Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, Connecticut. Keney Park Golf Course is home to the Hartford Women’s Open and was recently restored in 2014. The 44th Boys Junior PGA Championship will be held from July 30-August 2, 2019. Brooks, 16, shot a two-day total of 144 (E) for the Championship and edged out Max Hutter, who finished with a two-day total of 147 (+3). In addition, Gabrielle Shieh of Carlisle, MA won the 2019 New England Girls Junior PGA Championship at Shaker Hills Country Club. Shieh will have the opportunity to join 144 of the nation’s top female junior golfers in the PGA of America’s premium junior event, the 44th Girls Junior PGA Championship, hosted at Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, Connecticut. Keney Park Golf Course is home to the Hartford Women’s Open and was recently restored in 2014. The 44th Girls Junior PGA Championship will be held from July 9-12, 2019. Shieh, 17, shot a two-day total of 140 (-4) for the Championship and edged out Anne Walsh, who finished with a two-day total of 145 (+1). The Junior PGA Championship is where some of the best in the world 26 | MAY, 2019 | nepga.com
get their start. Many of today’s PGA Tour and LPGA Tour professionals made their debut at the Championship. Notable past participants Include: Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Stewart Cink, Phil Mickelson, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson, Cristie Kerr, Grace Park, Michelle Wie, and Dottie Pepper.
SECTION POINT RACES OMEGA WOGAN Player
of the
1. Rich Berberian Jr. 2. Shawn Warren 3. Bob Bruso 4. Brendon Ray 5. Liam Friedman 6. Adam Kolloff 7. Eric Barlow 8. Kirk Hanefeld 9. Aaron Harper
Year 9,587.50 3,226.79 1,753.00 1,750.00 1,600.00 1,300.00 1,185.00 1,152.00 1,125.00
Click for complete standings
Avidia Bank Cup T1. Adam Kolloff T1. Rich Berberian 3. David Jankowski 4. Robert Tramonti 5. Brendon Ray 6. Robert Bruso 7. Liam Friedman 8. Eric Barlow 9. Rico Riciputi
600.00 600.00 347.50 330.00 292.33 217.33 215.40 190.25 170.50
Click for complete standings
1st Tee Challenge 1. Greg Farland T2. David Sibley T2. Brian Owens T2. Adam Killoff T2. Bob Bruso T2. Ron Coiro T2. Danny Kish T2. Brendan Mitchell T2. Steven Hausmann T2. Joe Potty T2. Cory Mansfield T2. Kirk Hanefeld
10th Tee Challenge -2 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1
T1. T1. T1. T1. T1. T1. T7.
Andrew Stolze Tom Cavicchi Nick Funk Bob Tramonti Rich Berberian Jr. Vince Molesky 36 players tied
-1 -1 -1 -1 -1 -1 E
Click for complete 1st Tee standings Click for complete 10th Tee standings nepga.com | MAY, 2019 | 27
YOUR VIEW FROM THE FAIRWAY Pictured above are the views from the fairways of the outstanding New Hampshire venues for the 2019 NEPGA Championship scheduled for August 5th – 7th at Concord Country Club (on the left) and Manchester Country Club (on the right).
June Membership News POSTING YOUR OWN MSR HOURS
Joan Stuart Director of Accounting & Finance New England PGA
Have you ever served the Section, Chapter, National PGA or Allied Association by participating in the advancement of the game activities such as radio shows, TV shows, speeches, golf promotional non-playing events, golf clinics and other volunteer activities, such as non-playing tournament official? Have you served as a golf coach or assistant golf coach of a high school/college golf team in a capacity not considered the member’s primary employment? Have you ever published PGA-approved news, media, magazine articles or published book?
Have you provided official Golf Get Ready group lessons at your facility? If you have done any of the above you can post your own MSR’s online through the following link: which will require your login that you have used with www.pga.org. It is easy and you can post these credits any time of the day at your convenience. If you have any questions on this process, please contact Joan Stuart at jstuart@pgahq.com or call the section office 508.869.0000. THERE IS STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR ACH (DIRECT DEPOSITS) PAYMENTS FOR PRIZE MONEY! The PGA of America and the New England Section Board of Directors are implementing a MANDATORY use of ACH deposits for all purse payouts by January 2, 2020. In 2019, any checks that are lost in the mail, thrown away by accident, or destroyed by the family pet, the NEPGA Professional will have the stop payment fee deducted from the original amount of the check with no exceptions. CLICK HERE FOR the PGA of America’s new link for direct deposit. This is an online form and once it is completed it is automatically received by the Finance Department for setup. No need to send voided checks anymore. This could not be easier!
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RECOVER FASTER FROM THE IMPACT OF A DISASTER!
Every year, PGA Professionals nationwide are faced with difficult situations that can leave their family in a financial crisis. Through the generosity of PGA Members, the PGA Disaster Relief Fund provides assistance to professionals who are faced with temporary financial problems due to serious medical emergencies or the impact of natural disasters. It provides relief for documented out-of-pocket expenses in critical circumstances, to help professionals and their families get back on their feet faster. The Fund has distributed $1.6M in relief since 2000. If you, or any PGA Professional you know, has been affected by a serious illness, accident, or natural disaster, please contact us to see if Disaster Relief might help.
TO APPLY:
PGA Disaster Relief Fund Program Application PGA Disaster Relief Expense Worksheet
TO CONTRIBUTE:
Contribute Online when you pay your yearly dues OR Call PGA Membership Services: 800.474.2776 (8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday)
nepga.com | MAY, 2019 | 29
CHAPTER ROUND UP NEWS AND NOTES FROM AROUND THE SECTION
MAINE PROUTS NECK CC PRO-AM
CAPE COD
What a day at Prouts Neck Country Club! 123 players braved the high winds and cold for a chance to play this perennial favorite. With the National Weather Service recording winds of 30 mph and gusts of up to 41 mph, it was an interesting day on the links.
The Cape Cod chapter welcomed 68 PGA professionals to the 5th Annual BAXTER’S BOATHOUSE PRO-PRO, played on the magnificent links of The Hyannisport Club. Nearly 40 percent of the field came from the Rhode Island and Mass chapters! Pictured above (BAXTERS PLAYERS) are some of the ‘lucky’ participants who ‘retired’ to Baxter’s, a Cape Cod landmark - located at the origin point for Steamship Authority ferries to both islands. The accompanied photo is (l to r) host PGA HP at The Hyannisport Club/ David Wilson - his partner Dave Donnellan, PGA Teaching Pro at Hyannis GC (T-2) and Eric Steindel, PGA HP at The Wianno Club (and Chapter President) with his assistant and partner Turner Meek, PGA. Rumors have it that over 30 lobster rolls were consumed! The Pro-Pro trophy went to Sandwich Hollows’ PGA HP Tom Tobey partnered with Bay Pointe’s PGA HP Scott Trethewey. Dan & Melissa Dempsey co-sponsored this event with Peter Guild/ Callaway. In all respects, this was a perfect day!
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With the waters of Saco Bay a mere few hundred feet away, the opening tee shots were guided by the winds to parts normally unknown. An estimate of 25 percent finding the first fairway would not be a stretch. However, some players seemed to avoid errant shots and managed to post very respectable scores in these conditions. Zach Zondlo, head professional at “The Loaf”, no stranger to the wind, was able to post a 1-over 71 and take medalist honors for the day. Shawn Warren, never far from the top of the leaderboard, followed with an equally impressive 72. Rounding out the top three was Jim Fairbanks at 73. Jim’s 73 was good enough to place him at the top of the senior points quota field, edging out Don Roberts by one. In the team competition, the foursome of Fairbanks, Tad Woolsey, Steve Mazza & Brandon Wohl, carded a 4-under 136, only to be matched by the Portland CC team of Pat Kowker, Steve Tsujiura, Mike Francoeur & John Walker. This event was a fundraiser for the Maine Chapter Scholarship Fund. An addition $10 per player made it possible to raise a total of $1,230 to add to the fund. Erin Henderson from Callaway was at the first tee and gave each player a choice of Callaway balls. Adam Casey of Bushnell provided two Tour V4 Patriot Pack rangefinders for a raffle amongst participating amateurs. The Luck winners were Leo Paquette of Falmouth CC and Peter Shaw of The Woodlands Club. The Maine Chapter would like to thank Chris and Robin Twombly for their hospitality.
JUNE SCHEDULE
It’s already the end of June and the Maine Chapter will be handing out the first trophies of the season on Monday, June 24th at the Pro-Am Championship held at The Ledges Golf Club in York. 17 teams of will compete in the 2 Best Ball of 4 Gross Championship. Teams must be comprised of three amateurs and a professional all from the same club. The Ledges event rounds out the month of June which, at the mercy of Mother Nature, was quite eventful. Original scheduled for June 11th, torrential rains caused a postponement of the Pro-Pro Stroke Play Championship at Webhannet GC. The event has been rescheduled for August 26th. We were lucky and managed to squeeze in a good day at the Kebo Valley Club Pro-Am on June 19th. Despite a small field, a good time was had by all. Every player seemed to comment on the great course conditions and the general beauty of the Bar Harbor area. Don Roberts of Waterville Country Club and Casey Cox of The Woodlands Club tied for individual professional honors with very respectful two over 72’s, and the Waterville Country Club team of Roberts, Scott Dillon, TJ Smart and Ron Churchill claimed team honors with an 11-under par, 1 Gross & 1 Net score of 129. The complete Maine Chapter schedule is available on our website www.mechapter.com.
JUNIOR GOLF
The Maine Junior Tour season is also underway. We postponed our first event at Rockland Golf Club because many kids were still in school making up snow days. That meant that the Junior Tour would start its season on Thursday, June 20th at Biddeford-Saco Country Club. And what a day it turned out to be. Rain, rain and more rain might have stopped the casual golfer from hitting the links, but these juniors trudged right out there and put their best efforts forward despite the conditions. Following the opening event of the season was the make up of the Rockland event, which was reschedule to Saturday June 22nd. The course was still wet from Thursday & Friday’s rains, but it turned out to be a great day, although we just finished in time as thunderstorms rolled in for late afternoon. We look forward to a fun summer with our junior golfers. Results and schedules for the entire Junior Tour season may be found at www.mechapter.com/junior.
MASSACHUSETTS The third event of the NEPGA Massachusetts Chapter season, the MA Chapter Pro+3Am (1G+1N) was played under warm sunshine with a light breeze as the 76-person field descended upon one of southeastern Massachusetts’ finest courses, Foxborough Country Club. Taking advantage best of the scoring conditions were the teams of Cyprian Keyes GC, consisting of PGA Professional Shawn Durocher and amateurs Mark Eldridge, John McGuirk, and Ed Dumphy, and Blackstone National GC, consisting of PGA Professional Patrick Beahn and amateurs Jim Cozza, Joe Agnelli, and Jeff Walker. With eight of the nineteen teams breaking par, these two teams blitzed the challenging layout and played exceptionally en route to winning scores of 8 under par 136. The Individual Professional competition featured fine play as well. In addition to her team’s victory in the other portion of the event, Shawn Durocher also captured the individual title with a one over par 73. Carding four birdies, three bogeys, and one double bogey, Durocher’s steady play led her to a one shot victory over Hillview GC’s Chris Carter, PGA. UPCOMING MASS CHAPTER EVENTS: Sept. 24 Chapter Championship (Walpole CC) Oct. 22 Fall Meeting & Pro-Pro (The Haven CC) Nov. 4 Individual Stableford (Thomson CC) Nov. 11 Pro-Pro (Blue Hill CC)
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
RHODE ISLAND
Congratulations to chapter member Matt Arvanitis, Southern New Hampshire University head men’s golf coach, for being selected as the Division ll Region Coach of the Year for the second straight season by the Golf Coaches Association of America. Under Arvanitis, his team won three tournaments during the season, including their fourth Northeast-10 Conference title and their first regional crown.
The Rhode Island chapter held their PRO PRO 2 weeks prior to the Port - at the amazing Sakonnet Golf Club sponsored by long-time loyal supporter Peter Guild from Callaway Golf. Again, the field was a true combination of three chapters. In fact, of the five teams to make a check, all Mass/ Cape Cod/ Rhode Island chapters were represented! Making for a fun day for all on a superb course.
The New Hampshire Chapter sadly announces the passing of Russ Niven, PGA Head Professional as well as Assistant Professional and Teaching Professional for over thirty-six years at Angus Lea Golf Course. In addition, Carroll Ellis, father of Jon Ellis, assistant professional at Golf Club of New England passed away on June 18. Condolences are offered to both families. As of mid-June, C.J. Konkowski, Keene assistant professional, has assumed the lead in NHC Player of the Year points. Konkowski has moved past Derryfield CC head professional Cory Mansfield by 10.5 points (95 to 84.5). Rounding out the top five are Eric Soderman, Hoodkroft assistant at 65.8, Dan Wilkins of Laconia CC at 53.83 and Jay Pollini, Ridgewod head professional at 53. JUNE TOURNAMENT RESULTS: Pro + 1 Am, Intervale CC Low Professional: Cory Mansfield, Derryfield CC, 72 Team: Matt Arvanitis and Matt Paradis, SNHU,66 Canterbury Woods ProAm Low Professional: Danny Kish, Atkinson CC, 70 Team Gross: Hoodkroft CC, Eric Soderman, Jim Tokanel, Ryan Curtin and Brian Nadeau, 64; Canterbury Woods CC: Landon Comeau, Travis Banga, Will Beckford, Garret Olivar, 64 Team Net: Laconia CC: Todd Rollins, Mike Uhlman, Stephen Pia, Tim Callahan, 58 Stonebridge ProAm Low Professional: Rich Berberian, 67 Team: Laconia CC, Dan Wilkins, Bill Everett, Nick Sceggell, Randy Pike, 128 Vesper CC, Rich Berberian, Ryan Friel, Jeff Monahan, Andy Page
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T1 Nick Desjardins/KJ Violette T1 Robert Tramonti/Brian Owens T3 Gregg Richbourg/John Paesani T3 Peter Walsh Kings/Brent Amaral 5 Shane Drury/Al Vallante
33-35--68 -2 $700.00 32-36--68 -2 $700.00 35-35--70 E $400.00 35-35--70 E $400.00 34-37--71 +1 $300.00
VERMONT The 2019 Vermont Chapter stroke play championship was held on June 25th and 26th at Vermont National CC in Burlington Vermont. The first round opened up with heavy rains causing a delay before the championship even began. When first round play finally began the wind picked up and the course played long providing a true test for all the participants. Peter Weatherby shot an impressive -1 71 to take a one shot lead over David Bennett into day two. Mike Slayton and John Paul both fired +3 75’s which was good enough for them to share the lead in the senior division. In round two Peter Weatherby used a solid back nine of 35 (-1) to hold off David Bennett and Curt Goldsberry to secure his first Vermont Chapter stroke play championship finishing with a two day total of 143. Mike Slayton outlasted John Paul shooting a two day total of 153 to capture the senior championship. The teams of David Bennett-Todd Trono and Patrick Berry-Curt Goldsberry tied at the top of the blind draw pro-pro. Both (2018 winner David Jankowski presenting the teams finished with a two trophy to 2019 winner Peter Weatherby) day total of 139 (-5). UPCOMING VERMONT CHAPTER EVENTS: July 8 The Quechee Club Pro-Am July 15 CC of Vermont Pro-Am July 22 Pro-Lady at Williston GC July 29 Manchester Pro-Am
ASSISTANTS
SENIORS
Submitted by Assistants’ Association President Jo-Anna Krupa, PGA
Bob Miller shot even-par 70 to win the Individual Professional division at the NEPGA Senior’s Association George Wright Pro + 3 Am on June 18. Miller closed in style, with birdies on two of his last three holes. He edged Al Vallante and Bradford Durrin by three strokes.
The New England Assistant’s Association finished the 2019 spring campaign on May 23rd at the Valley Country Club in West Warwick, RI for their Spring Championship. A big thank you to Chad Spencer, PGA Head Professional for being such a gracious host. The course proved to be a tough test for all the players and after the dust settled Aaron Harper, PGA Assistant Professional at Ipswich Country Club came away with the victory with a winning score of 72 (E). The Assistants of the New England PGA battled for the coveted Hudson Cup at Duxbury Yacht Club, and David Grygiel (Tee N’ Tee Golfland) shot the only under-par round of the day, posting a 1-under 71 to take home the hardware. Matt Alwin (Dedham Country and Polo) and Shawn Warren (Falmouth CC) each shot even-par 72 and to tie for second. Six players, including John Geraci (Brookline GC), Seul-Ki Park (Winchester CC), Patrick Kowker (Portland CC), Nick Funk (Old Sandwich GC), Zac Temple (Hanover CC), and Robert Bruso (Blackstone National GC) tied for fourth at +1. The New England PGA would like to thank Duxbury Yacht Club and host PGA Professional Randy Grills, along with partners Event Man and Jeff DiBona of Turtleson. Our ever popular Sentio Individual Match Play Championship is well under way. The deadline for 1st round matches was June 15th. Timing and scheduling can be difficult so we ask that each player reaches out to the other well in advance of their deadline date to make sure we move along in a timely manner. The deadline for round 2 matches must be completed by July 15th. This is a yearlong event where each match is played at a site agreed upon by both players before certain deadlines. We want to thank Sentio Putters for being the sole sponsors for this event this year and we appreciate our relationship with this fantastic company. The Board continues to work hard on a 2019 Fall Schedule and will release the schedule sometime this summer. Keep an eye out for the schedule and plan accordingly as we will have some exciting events at some of the area’s best courses.
There was a three-way tie at the top of the 1 best ball of 4 gross competition at George Wright. Nabnasset Lake, led by PGA Professional Dan Gillis, Maynard CC, led by Durrin, and Kings Way led by Miller, tied at 4-under 66. UPCOMING SENIOR ASSOCIATION EVENTS: July 11 Louisquisset GC Pro + 3AM July 25 Mt. Pleasant GC Pro-Pro Sept. 9 Tatnuck CC Pro + 3AM Sept. 19 Bass Rocks GC Pro + 3AM TBD (Sept.) Needham GC Pro + 3AM Oct. 10 Fall Meeting & Stroke Play (Kirkbrae CC)
CONGRATULATIONS, KIRK!
Congratulations to Kirk Hanefeld, PGA (Salem CC) on competing in the 2019 U.S. Senior Open! Kirk finished T-51! after rounds of 69-71-72-73 at Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
Thank you to all players and all sponsors to date for a great start to the 2019 season!
nepga.com | MAY, 2019 | 33
GOSLINGS 2019 INTERNATIONAL INVITATIONAL PROCRASTINATION CARRIES A HEAVY PRICE. NOT JUST $50, POSSIBLE ELIMINATION.
(sign up now, because more players are getting aboard earlier) World-Class Mid Ocean Club Added To The 2019 GII.
18th Hole, Mid Ocean Club
17th Hole, Belmont Hills Golf Course
16th Hole, Port Royal Golf Course
Championship Information
• December 2-5 • 54 Hole stroke play championship • 4 Rounds of golf, 3 Goslings cocktail parties • Monday, December 2, Pro-Am at Port Royal GC, 12:30pm Shotgun, Welcome Party 5:30pm • Tuesday, December 3, Round 1, Port Royal GC • Wednesday, December 4, Round 2, Mid Ocean Club, MOC Beach Club Cocktail Party 4:30pm • Thursday, December 5, Final Round, Belmont Hills GC, Prize Giving Party • Field limited to 102 players (don’t be #103) • Professional purse $70,000, World Amateur Rankings Points for amateurs • Cobra Puma player gifting packages • Host hotels: Newstead at Belmont Hills, Fairmont Southampton and Cambridge Beaches Resort • Registration fee: $550 amateurs, $675 pros ($50 discount for registering before August 1) Please contact Championship Director Robby Thompson (robby@championgolfgroupllc.com) or Operations Director Dave McAdams (dmcadams@pgahq.com) with any questions regarding the 2019 Championship. You can register on-line at: https://nepga.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/nepga19/event/nepga1956/index.htm
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For Eight Stubborn Generations
UPDATE FROM PGA HEADQUARTERS PGA FASHION & DEMO EXPERIENCE
The 2019 PGA Fashion & Demo Experience will be held at the Venetian Hotel & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, August 13-15, 2019. There are in excess of 20 MSR credits available between Monday, Aug. 12 through Wednesday, Aug. 14. REGISTER
MEMBERSHIP YEAR 2019-2020 DUES SCHEDULE
SUPPORTLINC MEMBER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The dues schedule for membership year July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 has a new online location. It is now housed on the Section Business Operations portal: sbo.pga.org > Governance & Planning > Membership Resources > Membership Years 2019/2020 Member & Associate Dues >. SIgn in and there you will find the shared document in Dropbox which can be downloaded.
Supportlinc is the Member Assistance Program (MAP) for you and your immediate family members. SupportLinc is a confidential resource that helps you deal with life’s challenges and the demands that come with balancing home and worl. SupportLinc provides confidential, professional referrals and face-to-face counseling sessions for a wide variety of concerns. Phone: 1-866-4PGAMAP (474-2627 Web: www.pgamap.com nepga.com | MAY, 2019 | 35
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES
CHANGES REPORTED BETWEEN MAY 1 - JUNE 10, 2019
NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS Name
Class Facility
James S. Brackett, PGA A-8 Alexander J. Buckley, PGA A-8 Matthew W. Buechner, PGA A-8 Eric C. Karpinski, PGA A-13 Ian J. Marr, PGA A-8 Sean Patrick Morahan, PGA A-8 Benjamin L. Raff, PGA A-8
Worcester CC Myopia Hunt Club Nashua CC The Clubhouse G&E Toddy Brook GC Charles River CC Essex County Club
NEWLY REGISTERED ASSOCIATES Name
Class Facility
Parker W. Sanford John H. Sheehan
B-8 B-8
Wollaston Golf Club Pinehills Golf Club
NEW QUARTY CENTURY MEMBERS Name
Michael L. Dugas, PGA A-1
Johnson W Parks GC
NEW CLASS A TRANSFERS
Name David L. Brubaker, PGA Tyler H. Cohen, PGA Daniel L. Guidarelli, PGA Seamus H. Keefe, PGA
Facility
Facility
Nantucket Golf Club Sankaty Head Golf Club Shelter Harbor Golf Club Newport Country Club
Gregory W. Kelly, PGA Myopia Hunt Club Daire Kullar, PGA Shelter Harbor Golf Club Ryan E. Laughlin, PGA Nantucket Golf Club Kyle D. Leeper, PGA The Misquamicut Club Gregory E. Martzolf, PGA Marlborough Country Club Kevin Maynard, PGA Nantucket Golf Club Ryan J. McLean, PGA Essex County Club Seth J. Mitchell, PGA Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club Jordan S. Oelkers, PGA Wannamoisett Country Club Jerry S. Roman, PGA Sunday River Golf Club Matthew C. Sheperd, PGA Nantucket Golf Club Ray A. Sowers, PGA Stratton Golf School
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EMPLOYMENT CHANGES Name
Class Facility
Tom Hanifan, PGA
A-23
John R. Hickson, PGA
A-6
Richard V. Molesky, PGA
A-14
Apple Hill Golf Club
Richard W. Coleman, PGA
A-14
The Ridge Club
Patrick W. Saunders, PGA
A-8
PGA Tour Superstore Mere Creek Golf Course
Weston Golf Club
REGISTER NOW Or register by phone at: 1 (800) 474 2776
POSTSEASON INFORMATION Section Championship Qualifying Round Aug. 13 - Stow Acres CC (MA) Section Championship Semifinal & Final Matches Aug. 22 - Dedham Country & Polo (MA) Regional Sept. 14 & 15 - Cranberry Valley (MA) PGA Jr. League Championship Oct. 11-14 - Grayhawk Golf Club (AZ)